ST. LOUIS — Memorial Day, which falls on May 27 this year, is a national holiday honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
The St. Louis area will host several parades and memorial ceremonies to honor the nation's fallen service members throughout Memorial Day weekend, and a few local attractions are offering deals to active-duty military and veterans as a way to say "thank you" for their service.
Here are some of the ways the Bi-state is commemorating Memorial Day.
Click here for the Memorial Day weekend forecast.
Events
- Alton Memorial Day Parade, kicks off at 10 a.m. Monday at Alton Middle School, 2200 College Ave. and ends at Alton City Cemetery, 1205 East 5th St.
- Belleville Memorial Day Parade, starts 10 a.m. Monday at North 3rd Street and continuing to Walnut Hill Cemetery, 1101 Mascoutah Ave, for a ceremony at 11 a.m.
- Collinsville Memorial Day Firework Festival,
4-10 p.m. Sundayfireworks show postponed until 9:15 p.m. Monday at the Collinsville Aqua Park and Eastport Plaza, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. - Jefferson Barracks Memorial Day Services, 10 a.m. Monday at the Jefferson National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis.
- Memorial Day Ceremony – Alton, 6-7 p.m. Monday at the Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street.
- Memorial Day Ceremony – Florissant, 9 a.m. Monday outside the James J. Eagan Center, 1 James J. Eagan Drive.
- Memorial Day Ceremony – Waterloo, 11 a.m. Monday at the Monroe County Courthouse Square, 100 South Main.
- Memorial Day Ceremony – Weldon Spring, 1 p.m. Monday at Veterans Tribute Park, 1031 Kisker Road. Fallen Marine Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, a graduate of Fort Zumwalt West High School, will be added to the memorial wall.
- Soldiers Memorial Military Museum Memorial Day Observance, 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis. While you're there, visit the museum’s “Vietnam: At War and At Home” exhibit before it closes at 5 p.m. Monday.
- University City Memorial Day Run, 10K begins at 7:30 a.m. Monday in front of the University City Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd.; 5K begins at 7:50 a.m. in front of the library; and the family fun run begins at 9:15 at Trinity and Princeton avenues. Register here.
- Wings Over St. Louis, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, 18270 Edison Ave., Chesterfield. There’s a $5 donation to enter, and kids get in free. Visitors can ride in one of the warbirds, view historic vehicles up close and participate in learning experiences.
Freebies
- City Museum: All active and retired service members can get into the City Museum for free during Memorial Day weekend, Friday through Monday. The rest of the veteran’s group can also get discounted admission – $18 per person instead of the usual $22 – at the ticket window.
- Ryze Adventure Park: Free climb on the Adventure Tower or free mini golf for active-duty service members and veterans May Friday through Monday at Ryze Adventure Park in Maryland Heights. Use “MEMDAY24” at checkout online and bring your military ID when you go.
- St. Louis Wheel: Active duty and military veterans can ride the St. Louis Wheel at Union Station for free from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the weekend.
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